Norma Lee Blackman

Norma Lee Blackman, our beautiful blue-eyed mother, passed away on October 23, 2020 in Sandy, Utah. She lived for over 50 years in Taylorsville, Utah.

Norma Lee Hey was born to Henry and Helen (Macomber) Hey on Friday the 13th of April 1928. Mom was born in Falls City, Nebraska as the first member of the fourth generation living there. In 1929, she was joined by our uncle Don. Being close in age they spent a lot of time together and created many good family stories. Mom was usually the instigator of any trouble they caused.

Mom attended the public-school system in Falls City until her senior year when her family moved to Santa Monica, California. She graduated from Santa Monica High School. Shortly after her graduation they returned to Falls City. Mom continued her education at the University of Nebraska Lincoln and became a medical technician.

While at the University, Mom met Glenn Blackman and they married on September 5, 1948. They continued living in Lincoln until he graduated with a degree in geology. They moved to Oklahoma where he could pursue his career by working for large oil companies and eventually owned a consulting business.

They were blessed with two daughters during their time in Oklahoma City: Janice and Brenda. Having two Oklahoma "Sooners" in the family made an in-family rivalry for the college football games.

Our family lived in Cumberland, Maryland for several years. In 1965 we relocated to Salt Lake City where Dad worked as a technical writer for Hercules Powder at the Bacchus works in Magna, Utah.

Mom always loved to help. She stuffed envelopes for charity, arranged the music folders for the Phoenix Jazz & Swing Band, helped the neighbor kids and did whatever else needed attention. During her time at Sunrise Senior Living she folded laundry and helped set the tables prior to the meals.

In addition to University of Nebraska "Cornhuskers" football Mom loved gardening. Her favorite flowers were roses, gardenias, orchids, and African violets. Every year she planted red geraniums around the yard light. Mom also loved birds and hated snakes. Her other activities included embroidery, crocheting caps for newborn babies, and reading the books recommended by Oprah.

With homemade hand churned ice cream, Mom's grandparents made her a connoisseur. Among her favorite flavors were chocolate, vanilla, strawberry cheesecake, and Cherry Garcia. Mom's other vice was See's chocolate candy.

Mom is survived by her daughters Janice LePore and Brenda Barta; grandsons Shawn (Kalyn) Bridges and Phillip (Susan) Jensen; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, two sons-in-law, and special friend Gray Meyer.

Our family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Sunrise Senior Living and the others who cared for Mom.

A visitation will be held at Goff Mortuary (8090 South State Street) on Friday, October 30 from 1:30 - 2:30 pm. A graveside service is scheduled for 3:00 pm at the Midvale City Cemetery located at 471 W. Sixth Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, we will appreciate gifts made to the Alzheimer's Association.